'Circle Chart' first-half roundup: HanRoro tops streaming with BTS’ 4.2204 million albums

A prelude to a shake-up: the indie revolt sparked by 'Reverse-Charting Myth'

In the first half of 2024, South Korea’s popular music industry faced a sweeping shift in its landscape. Amid the unshakable fortress-like hold of artists affiliated with major agencies, a sharp gust from up-and-coming contenders crossed paths with it, creating a more dynamic trajectory than ever. According to 'Circle Chart' first-half roundup, officially released by the Korea Association of Music Industry on the 10th, the one who most perfectly grabbed the public’s ears was singer-songwriter 'HanRoro'.

The title track on his first mini album, 'Love You Will Be', sent shockwaves by clinching an integrated No. 1 across the 'Digital Chart' and 'Streaming Chart' categories, fending off top major idol groups. Released in August 2023, the song drew on overwhelming support from the 'MZ Generation' and word of mouth, charting an astonishing reverse-charting curve. After entering the weekly chart’s top 10 in late November last year, it kept running without wavering, cementing its place in history as the first half’s bona fide 'hit song'.

The king’s return and expansion of global IP: where 'K-pop' stands today, breaking down boundaries

Even amid the surge of new powerhouses, the status of global pop icon 'BTS' occupied a realm beyond reach. Their full-group comeback after a long gap of 3 years and 9 months—regular album No. 5, 'Arirang' (ARIRANG)—posted an overwhelming sales tally of 4,220,4,016 copies in only the first half, reigning at the top of the 'Album Chart'. This album, which honestly captures the deeper self of its members and insights into universal life, became another chance to prove once again the explosive firepower of fandoms around the world.

On the 'Global K-pop Chart', a new type of mega hit emerged that erased the lines between media. The OST 'Golden' (Golden) of the virtual girl group 'Huntrix' (HUNTR/X), featured in the Netflix animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters', wrote an unprecedented record by staying No. 1 for 38 straight weeks—taking long-term control of the chart. It points to the explosive synergy that the combination of music and video content can create.

Also, 'Tomorrow by Together' (TXT) grabbed the top spot on the 'Download Chart' with the mini album eighth collection’s title track, 'Day by Day, Just One More'. Meanwhile, the sibling duo 'AKMU', known for its distinctive sensibility, proved both their firm musical footing and mainstream appeal by reaching the top of the 'V Coloring Chart' with the regular album No. 4 track 'Paradise of Rumors'.